Gerard (Tom) Kavanagh (15 May 1929 - 18 Oct 2022)

I got round to watching the funeral service for Gerard today.

The mention of the Woodpecker made me smile and I enjoyed the stories of him working on ships sailing around the world in the 50s.
It reminded me of my dad doing the same and an old black and white photo I treasured as a kid showing him on a ship in New York Harbour. I wonder if they ever worked together on those boats?

From here in his native village in County Wicklow, we watched the Funeral Service and Celebration of Ger's life on the Web Stream yesterday. Although a sad occasion, it was nevertheless a wonderful narration of his life and times. We will miss him so much. Ger was a loving brother and both a wise and supportive brother in law. He was ever kind, generous and always so encouraging with family and friends. He was particularly proud of his three sons and their achievements. He never ever said a negative or critical word about any of them. He especially loved and adored all of his grandchildren too. Their contributions to yesterday's Service were so touching and sincere. We'll miss Ger's regular phone calls and his Christmas Cards. His was always the first card to arrive in the first week of December - "From Ger and All". "Ar dheis De go raibh a hanam" as we would pray in Irish - "May he rest in peace".
Frances & Brendan
Ashford.

Our thoughts are with you on this sad day. Peter, Lorna and family

Sorry to hear about the peaceful passing of Uncle Ger and our love goes out to the Kavanagh family . Sorry not to be there in person but will be view online today. Great memories of Wicklow and Ashford trips for sure and I still never tire of telling anyone who will listen that my Uncle Ger is actually Tom but not all the time and can change depending on whether he’s home or not.

Thank you “grandad” for being so welcoming and open to me when I joined the family. For all your calls, cards, conversations when we met, and even calls to my parents to check in on everyone. You kind heart and generosity is so evident in all the Kavanagh’s and I’m so glad I had the opportunity to know you. Love, Sara x

To my loving grandad, I dont think ive ever met someone as kind and generous as you. You always took an interest in us kids and made sure we were looked after. We always loved to come down to see you especially for our christmas dinner together. My last memory of you is you trying to fit the hat from a christmas cracker on your head and having a good laugh together. I will cherish that memory and its how i will remember you. Now that you are gone there is a hole in all our hearts that no one else can fill. I hope you are resting easy now - Love from the other Tom

Thank you grandad for being in my life for so long. You were always a warmth to listen to, both in person and over the phone, and I loved recieving letters from you with your beautiful handwriting and caring words. You always made sure we were all okay routinely, and definitely well fed when visiting! I couldn't have asked for a better grandad. Thank you for being such a fantastic example of kindness, warmth and generosity, I will miss you greatly, and carry these memories and examples with me in everything I do. Thank you grandad. Rest well x

Thinking of you all today x

Remembering Great Uncle Ger. What an incredible man. He leaves behind some special memories. Sending love from Sue, Thomas, Harry & Freya. XxxX

In loving memory of a dear uncle. Rest in peace! With love from Roy and Wendy Knight. XxX

We will gather tomorrow in person and online to celebrate the very long life of an absolute legend, above all, my Dad. You were always such fun! A great sense of humour, caring, kind, and generous beyond measure. You did so amazingly well, living on nearly 30 years after Mum. We will miss doing you Christmas Dinners and all those games of scrabble. Thank you for all those bonus lifts to school when you came in off night shift, when you really should have been in bed. So many fond memories of Ireland, all the family and relatives, cricket on the beach, football in the New Forest, abundant hard-boiled eggs, and long mushroom-picking walks. You will be sorely missed by everyone for a myriad of reasons. The one thing that I do want to pay tribute to here is that I have never heard a single person ever say anything negative about you. You were always everyone's best friend and a true gentleman at heart, as well as the best Dad I could have ever wished for. You live on in all of us in one way or another, not least because of the great pride and love you always showed to all of us and the grandchildren, and your great-grandson too. So glad you got to see four generations of Kavanaghs! With lots of love from Codge x

To our one and only Grandad Southampton, amazing example of pure generosity and such a selfless family man. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my little family, we miss you so much but I’m happy you are at peace now, Love Dan x

To the most generous person I’ve ever met. Thank you so much for being a part of my life. I will miss talking to you every weekend to do your horse and football bets. I’m so happy and proud that you reached the age you got to, while being so switched on! I will miss you massively but very happy that your passing wasn’t too painful. Lots of love Josh

It still doesn’t feel real that you’re gone - what a kind, thoughtful and caring grandad that I was lucky to have. You always put us first before yourself. I will forever be singing “walk tall, walk straight and look the world right in the eye” whilst thinking of you! Rest in peace xx

No more "struggling with the breathing" now Dad. RIP now - still can't believe you've gone. Independent to the very end.

Love you always

Rob